Cina and I are in the US, but received word today that Dr. Eli Javier [Former General Superintendent of the Philippines General Council of the Assemblies of God] went to be with the Lord today. Our friend and brother has preceded us to heaven, and our hearts go out to Sis. Esther and to John Wesley and his family.

We wanted everyone to know that Ptr Eli was a great believer in Chi Alpha. When we first arrived in the Philippines in 1980 with a vision to see XA student ministries all over the Philippines, he encouraged us greatly! In fact, as we sat in his GS office on the BBC campus, he pointed to a framed certificate hanging on his office wall. It was the original charter of XA Manila — the first Chi Alpha to be established outside of the US. He was the XA president when they chartered in the U-belt! Ptr Eli provided Cina and me with invaluable counsel and support through the years. We were blessed!

How meaningful for him to know before he passed that XA was growing all over the nation! Blessings on all of you in the Philippines as you labor on campuses across the nation. Blessings on you, Patrick and Nettie and the national leadership team, as you continue fanning the vision of reaching and discipling students all over the Philippines!

Last Sunday (July 8), First Assembly of God in Calamba City, Laguna have inaugurated their local Chi Alpha student center. The dedication ceremony was led by Senior Ptr. Mendoza and Chi Alpha coordinator Ptra. Shiela Regalado. The event was well supported by leaders of the church. The student center will cater to nearby colleges and high schools of downtown Calamba City, Laguna.

Pastor Val Rianne Billones gave a short message on the second and final day of our XALT last June 16, 2012. The students had fun in writing their personal testimony and sharing it with their group. The training capped off with just 25 students since many had make-up classes. Nevertheless, those who attended were given the task to hold their own small trainings in their respective campuses so the other XA members could catch up.